Dispenser with automatically advancing indicator

ABSTRACT

A manually operated object dispenser includes a cover that rotates relative to a base allowing easy access to a storage compartment and allowing stored objects to be dispensed. A rotatable reminder wheel disposed beneath the cover automatically advances to a next position with each use, exposing indicia through a window on the cover. The dispenser comprises two sets of ratchet prongs and teeth: the first set engaged when the cover is rotated to an open position, while the second set is engaged when the cover is subsequently rotated to a closed position. Accordingly, the reminder wheel moves a predetermined distance to incrementally expose indicia through the window with each object that is dispensed. One embodiment of the dispenser includes a storage tray for storing objects and an access port through which the objects are dispensed. Another embodiment of the dispenser is attached to an external storage compartment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/460,090 filed Dec. 27, 2010, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Portable hand-operated, small object dispensers have existed in various designs and configurations. Current dispensers, however, do not adequately provide protection from physical contact or from contaminates while allowing easy access for users such as young, elderly and impaired users and while providing a visual indication of a next dispensing time.

Current existing dispensers do not allow for a cover to be safety-locked from accidental rotation of the cover while providing easy operation of a safety lock by users who may have limitations to manual operation of locked or child safe containers. A container allowing for easy dispensing of such items as toys, children's snacks, pet treats, or other small objects from a safety locked internal compartment, removable jar, or bottle does not exist.

It is with respect to these and other considerations that the present invention has been made.

SUMMARY

The above and other problems are solved by providing a hand-held and hand-operated object dispenser with an easily operated safety lock, wherein rotation of a cover of the dispenser opens a port or window to a storage compartment for allowing an operator to dispense a desired number of objects, each object being dispensed individually.

According to a preferred embodiment, the dispenser comprises a storage compartment. An access port is provided for allowing a single object to pass through the port at a time, thus preventing a surge of objects from being dispensed at once. The access port may provide a restraint for a lock tab, preventing rotation of the cover when the lock tab extends through the access port. Rotation over the cover relative to the base is allowed when the tab is depressed far enough for the cover to rotate about it. According to an alternate embodiment, the dispenser may attach to and detach from a jar, bottle, or other container.

According to embodiments, the dispenser comprises an indicator operable to display indicia, the indicia advancing with each use of the dispenser. A rotatable reminder wheel disposed beneath the cover automatically advances to a next position with each use, exposing the indicia through a window on the cover. The dispenser comprises two sets of ratchet prongs and teeth, wherein the first set is engaged when the cover is rotated to an open position and the second set is engaged when the cover is subsequently rotated to a closed position so that the reminder wheel moves a same predetermined distance to expose indicia through the window. According to a preferred use case, the dispenser can be utilized for medical use, for example, for dispensing pills or tablets. The indicia exposed through the reminder window may correspond with a next time to take medication.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the associated drawings. It is to be understood that the following detailed description is explanatory only and is not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a first embodiment of a dispenser, wherein a cover is shown in a closed position;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 1, wherein the cover is rotated from the closed position in FIG. 1 to an open position;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the first embodiment of the dispenser, wherein the cover has been rotated from the open position in FIG. 2 to a closed position;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 1, wherein the cover is removed;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the cover, wherein an outer ratchet is shown;

FIG. 6 is a cross section view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view wherein the dispenser is shown in an exploded view; and

FIG. 8 is an isometric, exploded view of a second embodiment of the dispenser, wherein an alternate base is provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a manually operated portable dispenser, the dispenser comprising a dosage indicator that advances with each use of the dispenser, an easily operated safety lock, and a cover. The dispenser may be circular in design to allow rotation of the cover, which when rotated, opens a port to a storage compartment, allowing an operator to dispense objects.

A top view of the manually operated portable dispenser is illustrated in FIG. 1. According to a preferred embodiment, the dispenser is comprised of a cover 101 and a base 112.

The base 112 is best shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the base 112 is preferably comprised of an external cylindrical side wall 127, a bottom 128, an open top 129, and a storage tray 111 wrapping around a middle portion 130 of the base, the middle portion of the base designed to accept a fixed inner ratchet ring 116 and a rotatable reminder wheel 109.

According to the preferred embodiment, the inner ratchet ring 116 comprises a plurality of ratchet teeth 131 extending circumferentially from the outer perimeter of the ratchet ring as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7. The ratchet teeth 131 are inclined in one circumferential direction so as to provide a camming face 134A and a flat face 134B as illustrated. The inner ratchet ring 116 is preferably adapted to attach to the base 112 and be held stationary in the base by a plurality of wheel pawls 118 extending from the bottom of the inner ratchet ring 116 and engaging grooves located in the outside perimeter of the middle portion 130 of the base 112.

The storage tray 111 is preferably designed for storage of small objects for dispensing such as, but not limited to, pills, tablets, candy, toys, etc. As illustrated, in FIG. 4, the storage tray 111 may extend around the middle portion 130 of the base 112 to allow a substantial portion of the dispenser to be utilized for storage capacity of contained objects.

The cover 101 of the dispenser is best shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7. The cover 101 is preferably circular in design and designed to attach to the base 112 so that the cover rotates relative to the base. The underside of the cover 101 is preferably formed with a ring of ratchet teeth, herein referred to as a cover ratchet 117, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The teeth of the cover ratchet 117 are preferably inclined in one circumferential direction so as to provide a camming face 135A and a flat face 135B.

As shown in FIG. 6, a cover pawl 120 on an inside side wall of the cover 101 is provided to engage a groove, herein referred to as a base slot 121, located in the outside perimeter of the base 112 so that the cover 101 may be snapped onto the base 112 and rotate about it. The base slot 121 is better illustrated in FIG. 7. The cover 101 may be limited in rotation by the cover pawl 120 encountering ends 132 of the base slot 121.

According to a preferred embodiment, a lock tab 103 is provided and is adapted to selectively engage and disengage a first opening in the cover 101, the first opening operative as an access window that communicates with the storage tray 111 when the cover is in an open position to provide for dispensing objects from the storage tray. The first window is herein alternatively referred to as an access window or lock window 102. When engaged with the lock window 102, the lock tab 103 is designed to inhibit rotation (i.e., prevent accidental rotation) of the cover 101 to an open position. For example, when the dispenser is in a closed position (i.e., the lock tab 103 is engaged with the lock window 102), the dispenser may not be accidently opened from a bump, rub, or other physical contact of the dispenser. Referring still to FIG. 7, the lock tab 103 comprises a flexible arm 133, the end of the flexible arm comprising a tab pawl 119 designed to engage a notch, herein referred to as a tab holder 122, located on the outside perimeter of the middle portion 130 of the base 112 to secure the lock tab 103 to the base 112. FIG. 6 shows the tab pawl 119 engaged with the tab holder 122, and thus, attached to the base 112.

According to the preferred embodiment, the lock tab 103 comprises one or more raised dimples 105 protruding from the top surface of the lock tab. To selectively disengage the lock tab 103 from the lock window 102, a downward force may be applied to the lock tab so that the dimple 105 on the top surface of the lock tab is depressed far enough for the dimple to clear the bottom surface of the cover 101. Once the lock tab 103 is disengaged from the lock window 102, the cover 101 may be rotated in a counterclockwise direction relative to the center of the base 112. The cover 101 may be rotated until the cover pawl 120 encounters an end 132 of the base slot 121 (FIG. 7). A tab indicium 104 is preferably provided for providing information to a user, such as instructions indicating one or more actions to open the dispenser. For example, a tab indicium 104 may comprise an instruction such as, “press and rotate.” The tab indicium 104 may be a marking printed onto, affixed to, or molded into the lock tab 103. The one or more dimples 105 may provide an air gap between the lock tab 103 and the cover 101 to help prevent wear of tab indicia 104 against the cover 101 during rotation when the lock tab slides below the cover.

FIG. 2 shows the dispenser in an open position. As illustrated, the lock tab 103 is disengaged from the lock window 102, the cover 101 is rotated counterclockwise, and the lock window 102 is open, allowing access to the storage tray 111 located in the base 112 under the cover. When in an open position, stored objects may be dispensed through the lock window 102. A single compartment configuration, such as the storage tray 111 of the present invention, allows for a user to remove or add a desired number of objects to or from the dispenser.

According to the preferred embodiment, the rotatable reminder wheel 109 is provided to rotate counterclockwise about the vertical centerline of the base 112 with each use of dispenser. A top surface of the rotatable reminder wheel 109 comprises indicia 110 spaced at predetermined intervals and sequentially clockwise around the top surface of the reminder wheel. According to a preferred use case, the dispenser may be utilized to dispense medication. In this case, an indicium may be a next dosage time or date, helping to prevent a missed dose or an overdose of medication. For example and as illustrated in FIG. 4, reminder wheel indicia 110 may be a reference to a time of day (e.g., morning (AM), afternoon (PM), night, bed, etc.). Other examples of reminder indicia 110 may include, but are not limited to, hours of the day (e.g., 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, etc.), days of the week (e.g., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc.), months of the year (e.g., January, February, March, etc.), etc.

According to an embodiment, the reminder wheel indicia 110 may be set by a user when the cover 101 is detached from the base 112. A user may rotate the reminder wheel 109 until a desired starting indicium 110 is in a position to be aligned with a window opening in the cover 101 when the cover is in a closed position. For example, a user may remove the cover 101 to fill the storage tray 111 with medication and set the reminder wheel 109 so that the time period for taking a next pill is positioned such that when the cover is reattached and in the closed position, the time period will be displayed through the window opening in the cover. According to embodiments, reminder indicia 110 preferably contrast in color with the reminder wheel 109 to allow for easy visual identification. According to an embodiment, the tab indicia 104 and reminder indicia 110 may be a raised or depressed surface to provide for a more permanent and durable identification.

As best shown in FIG. 7, a second opening, referred to herein as a reminder window 108, is defined by the cover 101. The reminder window 108 is provided as a visual port to a reminder wheel indicium 110 radially aligned with the reminder window.

According to the preferred embodiment, the reminder wheel 109 is housed in an upper portion of the middle portion 130 of the base 112. As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the reminder wheel 109 comprises at least one outer ratchet prong 114 extending circumferentially from the outer perimeter of the reminder wheel. A flat surface at the end of each ratchet prong 114 is engageable with the teeth of the cover ratchet 117. The one or more outer ratchet prongs 114 are preferably designed such that they consist of a flexible extended portion 136 operative to deflect inward when pressure is applied toward the center of the reminder wheel 109, for example, when the camming surface 135A of a cover ratchet tooth makes sliding contact with the flexible extended portion 136 of an outer ratchet prong 114.

With reference still to FIGS. 4 and 7, the reminder wheel 109 also includes a ring of inner ratchet prongs 115 located on the inside perimeter of the reminder wheel 109, where the inner ratchet prongs 115 are flexible in a similar manner and plane as the outer ratchet prongs 114. A flat surface at the end of each inner ratchet prong 115 is engageable with the flat surface 134B of an inner ratchet ring tooth 131 to prevent clockwise rotation of the reminder wheel 109 (i.e., as the cover 101 is rotated to a closed position as described below).

The preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes the two sets of ratchet prongs 114,115 and teeth 117,116 to ensure that the reminder wheel indicium 110 is incremented only when the cover 101 is closed, wherein a first set (114,117) are engaged while the cover 101 is moving from a closed to an open position, and a second set (115,116) are engaged while the cover is moving from the open position back to the closed position. A predetermined number and spacing of the ratchet prongs and teeth ensure such that the reminder wheel 109 rotates in a counterclockwise direction a same predetermined distance each time the cover 101 is cycled between the open and closed positions, thereby ensuring that the reminder wheel indicia 110 is aligned with the reminder window 108.

In particular, from a closed position shown in FIG. 1, counterclockwise rotation of the cover 101 relative to the base 112 provides access to the storage tray 111, while the flat faces 135B of the teeth of the cover ratchet 117 engage the ends of the outer ratchet prongs 114 of the reminder wheel 109 to ensure that the reminder wheel 109 rotates counterclockwise with the cover. As the cover 101 and reminder wheel 109 rotate counterclockwise, the inner ratchet prongs 115 flex radially outward while making sliding contact with the camming surface 134A of the teeth 131 of the inner ratchet ring 116. When an inner ratchet prong 115 passes a tooth 131, the flexible inner ratchet prong 115 springs radially inward until it contacts the lower portion of the camming surface 134A of the next ratchet tooth 131 on the inner ratchet ring 116. The inner ratchet prong 115 also contacts the flat face 134B of the tooth 131 it has just passed. At this point, the indicium 110 shown through the reminder window 108 in FIG. 2 is the same indicium displayed prior to the opening process (as illustrated in FIG. 1).

From the open position shown in FIG. 2, clockwise rotation of the cover 101 relative to the base 112 closes access to the storage tray 111. During such clockwise rotation, the reminder wheel 109 is prevented from rotating relative to the base 112 (i.e., does not rotate with the cover) due to restraint provided by the flat surface 134B of the inner ratchet ring tooth 131 against the inner ratchet prong 115 of the reminder wheel. The cover 101 may be rotated clockwise relative to the base 112 until the cover pawl 120 encounters an end 132 of the base slot 121, or until the lock tab 103 engages the lock window 102. When the lock tab 103 engages the lock window 102, the dispenser is in a closed position and the indicium 110 displayed through the reminder window 108 is the next sequential indicium provided on the top surface of the reminder wheel 109 as shown in FIG. 3.

According to the preferred embodiment, the cover 101 preferably comprises a cover gripping surface 107 covering at least a portion of the cover. For example and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 5-7, the cover gripping surface 107 covers a portion of the outer top surface and outer side walls of the cover 101. The cover gripping surface 107 is provided as a gripping surface to aid a user in obtaining an adequate grip on the cover 101, allowing the user to more easily rotate the cover relative to the base 112. The cover gripping surface 107 is preferably an embossed surface but may be one of many forms. For example, the cover gripping surface 107 may be a different material applied to the cover 101. Although shown in FIG. 1 as a pattern of arced stripes, as can be appreciated, the cover surface 107 may be one of a multitude of designs. According to another embodiment, the cover gripping surface 107 may cover only a portion of the outer side walls of the cover 101, providing a gripping surface along the sides of the dispenser.

The base 112 of the preferred embodiment comprises a base gripping surface 113 covering at least a portion of the outer side walls of the base as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7. Like the cover gripping surface 107, the base gripping surface 113 is provided as a gripping surface to aid a user in obtaining an adequate grip when rotating the cover 101 relative to the base 112. Like the cover gripping surface 107 may be an embossed surface or may be one of many forms. According to the preferred embodiment, the design of the cover gripping surface 107 and the design of the base gripping surface 113 appear as a continuous design when the dispenser is in a closed position, providing a visual alignment tool to quickly and easily insure the dispenser is closed.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 7, indicia 106 is preferably provided on the top surface of the cover 101 to display information such as, but not limited to, operational instructions (e.g., open, close, etc.), symbols (e.g., arrows), or other information (e.g., labels, titles, etc.). For example, and as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 7, cover indicia 106 can include directional arrows and text such as “open” and “close” to inform a user on a direction to rotate the cover 101 to open and close the dispenser. As another example, and as also shown in FIG. 1, cover indicia 106 can include a phrase, such as “next pill time” and an arrow pointing to other indicia, such as reminder wheel indicia 110. According to one embodiment, the cover indicia 106 may be of a contrasting color to the cover 101 to allow for visual identification. According to another embodiment, cover indicia 106 may be delineated in relief or a raised surface to allow for tactile identification and to provide for a more permanent and durable identification. As should be appreciated, cover indicia 106 may be displayed in various other ways known in the art for displaying desired information.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 8. According to the alternate embodiment, the dispenser may be a removable dispenser for an external storage compartment. For example, the dispenser may be attached to a jar, bottle, or other container. In some cases, a user may have a need for the dispenser to store a greater quantity of objects or objects larger than can be accommodated by the storage tray 111 of the preferred embodiment. For example, a user may desire to store and dispense such objects as toys or pet treats.

Accordingly, a modified base 125 may be provided. The modified base 125 is similar to the base 112 of the preferred embodiment, comprising an external cylindrical side wall 127 and preferably comprising a base gripping surface 113 covering at least a portion of the outer side walls of the base as illustrated in FIG. 8. Like the base gripping surface 113 of the preferred embodiment, the design of the cover gripping surface 107 and the design of the base gripping surface 113 on the modified base 125 appear as a continuous design when the dispenser is in a closed position, providing a visual alignment tool to quickly and easily insure the dispenser is closed. The cover pawl 120 on an inside side wall of the cover 101 is designed to engage the base slot 121 located in the outside perimeter of the alternate base 125 so that the cover 101 may be snapped onto the alternate base 125 and rotate about it. Also like the preferred embodiment, the cover 101 may be limited in rotation by the cover pawl 120 encountering ends 132 of the base slot 121.

According to the alternate embodiment, the modified base 125 does not comprise a storage tray 111. Rather, the modified base 125 includes an open bottom that is releasably attached to an external storage container 123. In a preferred embodiment, the modified base 125 comprises threads (not shown) on the internal surface of the cylindrical side wall 127 adapted to mate with threads 124 on the external storage container 123 (e.g., a bottle, a jar, etc.). In other embodiments, the modified base 125 and the external storage container 123 are releasably attached via alternative methods including, but not limited to, a snap-on attachment, a tab-and-slot attachment (e.g., lugs), etc.

A plurality of objects to be dispensed are preferably stored in the external storage container 123 (e.g., more objects or objects of a larger size than could be accommodated within the storage tray 111). The modified base 125 defines an opening, herein referred to as a dispenser port 126, on the top surface of the modified base. The dispenser port 126 is preferably located directly under the lock window 102 defined by the cover 101 (FIG. 7) when the dispenser is in the open position. This allows for the dispensed objects to pass from the external storage container 123 through both the dispenser port 126 and the lock window 102 when being dispensed.

The materials that comprise the majority of the dispenser are preferably plastic configured by injection molding. Differing types of plastic can be utilized to feed functional requirements such as structural durability and wear considerations. One example is to use a flexible plastic for use as the cover pawl 120, tab pawl 119, wheel pawl 118, and ratchet parts such as polycarbonate; the base 101,125 and other parts of the assembly may be made of a thermosetting plastic such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Other materials may be used that fulfill structural, durability, economical and other requires for use as a dispenser.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. While the disclosed invention has been described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equal elements may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention further includes any combination of the elements from embodiments as set forth herein. In addition, modification may be made to adapt the teaching of the present invention to a particular application without departing from its essential scope thereof.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

It is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments described and/or illustrated, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A dispenser comprising: a base including a storage tray for storing a plurality of objects; a reminder wheel operable to rotate about a vertical centerline of the base, the reminder wheel comprising: a plurality of indicia disposed sequentially and at predetermined intervals along a top surface of the reminder wheel; a first set of ratchet prongs disposed along an inner perimeter of the reminder wheel; and a second set of ratchet prongs disposed along an outer perimeter of the reminder wheel; a cover rotatably attached to the base to allow the cover to rotate between an open position and a closed position, the cover defining: a reminder window through which an indicium of the plurality of indicia disposed along the top surface of the reminder wheel is exposed; an access window that communicates with the storage tray when the cover rotates to the open position to provide for dispensing objects from the storage tray; and a cover ratchet disposed on an underside of the cover to operatively engage the second set of ratchet prongs disposed along the outer perimeter of the reminder wheel and provide for rotation of the reminder wheel with the cover when the cover rotates in a first radial direction; and an inner ratchet ring attached to the base and operative to engage the first set of ratchet prongs disposed along the inner perimeter of the reminder wheel and prevent the reminder wheel from rotating with the cover when the cover rotates in a second radial direction.
 2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein: rotation of the cover in the first radial direction transitions the cover from the closed position to the open position; and rotation of the cover in the second radial direction transitions the cover from the open position to the closed position.
 3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein: a first indicium is displayed through the reminder window when the cover is in the closed position; the first indicium continues to be displayed through the reminder window when the cover is rotated to the open position; and a next sequential indicium is displayed through the reminder window when the cover is subsequently rotated to the closed position.
 4. The dispenser of claim 3 further comprising: a lock tab flexibly attached to the base, wherein the lock tab engages the access window to inhibit rotation of the cover when the cover is in the closed position, and wherein the lock tab slides below the cover when the cover is rotated to the open position.
 5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein a top surface of the lock tab includes one or more raised dimples adapted to engage the underside of the cover and provide an air gap between the top surface of the lock tab and the underside of the cover when the cover is rotated to the open position.
 6. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein a portion of an outer surface of the cover includes a cover gripping surface and a portion of an outer surface of the base includes a base gripping surface, and wherein the cover gripping surface is aligned with the base gripping surface when the cover is in the closed position.
 7. A dispenser comprising: an external storage container for storing a plurality of objects; a base releasably attached to the external storage container, the base defining a dispenser port; a reminder wheel operable to rotate about a vertical centerline of the base, the reminder wheel comprising: a plurality of indicia disposed sequentially and at predetermined intervals along a top surface of the reminder wheel; a first set of ratchet prongs disposed along an inner perimeter of the reminder wheel; and a second set of ratchet prongs disposed along an outer perimeter of the reminder wheel; a cover rotatably attached to the base to allow the cover to rotate between an open position and a closed position, the cover defining: a reminder window through which an indicium of the plurality of indicia disposed along the top surface of the reminder wheel is exposed; an access window that aligns with the dispenser port when the cover rotates to the open position to provide for dispensing objects from the external storage container; and a cover ratchet disposed on an underside of the cover to operatively engage the second set of ratchet prongs disposed along the outer perimeter of the reminder wheel and provide for rotation of the reminder wheel with the cover when the cover rotates in a first radial direction; and an inner ratchet ring attached to the base and operative to engage the first set of ratchet prongs disposed along the inner perimeter of the reminder wheel and prevent the reminder wheel from rotating with the cover when the cover rotates in a second radial direction.
 8. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein: rotation of the cover in the first radial direction transitions the cover from the closed position to the open position; and rotation of the cover in the second radial direction transitions the cover from the open position to the closed position.
 9. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein: a first indicium is displayed through the reminder window when the cover is in the closed position; the first indicium continues to be displayed through the reminder window when the cover is rotated to the open position; and a next sequential indicium is displayed through the reminder window when the cover is subsequently rotated to the closed position.
 10. The dispenser of claim 9 further comprising: a lock tab flexibly attached to the base, wherein the lock tab engages the access window to inhibit rotation of the cover when the cover is in the closed position, and wherein the lock tab slides below the cover when the cover is rotated to the open position.
 11. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein: a top surface of the lock tab includes one or more raised dimples adapted to engage the underside of the cover and provide an air gap between the top surface of the lock tab and the underside of the cover when the cover is rotated to the open position; and a portion of an outer surface of the cover includes a cover gripping surface, a portion of an outer surface of the base includes a base gripping surface, and wherein the cover gripping surface is aligned with the base gripping surface when the cover is in the closed position.
 12. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein the external storage container and the base each include complimentary threads for releasably attaching the base to the external storage container.
 13. A dispenser comprising: a cylindrical base; a reminder wheel operable to rotate about a vertical centerline of the base, the reminder wheel comprising: a plurality of indicia disposed sequentially and at predetermined intervals along a top surface of the reminder wheel; a first set of ratchet prongs disposed along an inner perimeter of the reminder wheel; and a second set of ratchet prongs disposed along an outer perimeter of the reminder wheel; a cover rotatably attached to the base to allow the cover to rotate between an open position and a closed position, the cover defining: a reminder window through which an indicium of the plurality of indicia disposed along the top surface of the reminder wheel is exposed; an access window for dispensing objects; and a cover ratchet disposed on the underside of the cover to operatively engage the second set of ratchet prongs disposed along the outer perimeter of the reminder wheel and provide for rotation of the reminder wheel with the cover when the cover rotates in a first radial direction; and an inner ratchet ring attached to the base and operative to engage the first set of ratchet prongs disposed along the inner perimeter of the reminder wheel and prevent the reminder wheel from rotating with the cover when the cover rotates in a second radial direction.
 14. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein: the base includes a storage tray for storing a plurality of objects; and the cover access window communicates with the storage tray when the cover rotates to the open position to provide for dispensing objects from the storage tray.
 15. The dispenser of claim 13, further comprising: an external storage container releasably attached to the base, wherein the external storage container is adapted to store a plurality of objects.
 16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the base defines a dispensing port that aligns with the cover access window when the cover rotates to the open position to provide for dispensing objects from the external storage container.
 17. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein the external storage container and the base each include complimentary threads for releasably attaching the external storage container to the base.
 18. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein: rotation of the cover in the first radial direction transitions the cover from the closed position to the open position; and rotation of the cover in the second radial direction transitions the cover from the open position to the closed position.
 19. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein: a first indicium is displayed through the reminder window when the cover is in the closed position; the first indicium continues to be displayed through the reminder window when the cover is rotated to the open position; and a next sequential indicium is displayed through the reminder window when the cover is subsequently rotated to the closed position.
 20. The dispenser of claim 19, the dispenser further comprising: a lock tab flexibly attached to the base, wherein the lock tab engages the access window to inhibit rotation of the cover when the cover is in the closed position, and wherein the lock tab slides below the cover when the cover is rotated to the open position. 